Psychotherapy for Adults, Families, Couples, Adolescents and Children

Main menu

Adults

Mood problems, stress, personal losses, conflicts, unforeseen challenges as well as maladaptive behaviors affect millions of us each year to cause enormous distress and suffering, as well as disruptions in social functioning, relationships, career and family life. I offer a safe, confidential and compassionate place to seek resolution and happiness for the problems you face:

My clinical training, experience and the scientific literature show me three treatment approaches that work. First, to directly address and solve the problems that cause stress and unhappiness. We’ll do this through understanding your pressures and goals in order to develop rational ways to cope and respond. Second, to mindfully change how we interpret and react to our situation to lessen the impact of our challenges through acceptance. Third, use targeted cognitive restructuring, psychoeducation and emotion regulation approaches (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to generate healthy behavioral alternatives and strengthen long-term resiliency.

Perhaps because stress, worry and anxiety are so common in our lives, clients can mistakenly believe, “It’s normal - I’ll just have to live with it.” Fortunately, that isn't true! I employ evidence-based therapies that work to specifically address chronic worry, panic attacks, PTSD-related symptoms and social phobia through mindfulness, distress management and cognitive restructuring approaches that are derived from Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques. My goal is not only to alleviate the reasons that bring you to therapy, but empower you with healthy coping skills for future challenges.

Maladaptive coping behaviors

Many clients arrive at therapy because of problematic or dysfunctional coping mechanisms: poor eating habits; drug abuse, drinking or smoking; social isolation or unhealthy relationships; shopping and other obsessive-compulsive behaviors. As well as treating these maladaptive behaviors, we will also explore, treat and resolve their underlying causes, including trauma, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, dependency, guilt and shame.

Repeated Irritability and Anger Problems

I have found that many anger-related problems reflect unresolved underlying issues, such as trauma, disappointments, sadness and guilt. So, not only do I focus on effective anger regulation techniques, I also address and resolve the causative issues and problems.

Interpersonal Relationship Disruptions

Unhealthy relationships, frequent and repeated arguments, marital conflicts, loss of friendships or frequent clashes with strangers can also be symptomatic of unresolved emotions. I address these problems from problem-solving, interpersonal relationship skills and emotional regulation perspectives.

Loss, Grief and Bereavement

While sadness and mourning are a normal and healthy response to loss and role transitions (divorce, job loss, chronic illness, mid-life and empty nest scenarios), extended grief can severely disrupt personal functioning and relationships. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) offers an evidence-based and time-limited treatment protocol that is effective in restoring positive mood and outlook.